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‘Najib-Muhyiddin win means greater stability for BN, Umno’

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional leaders have hailed the uncontested victory of Umno’s top two, saying it means greater stability for both Umno and BN.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin were returned unopposed as Umno president and deputy president last Saturday, months after Umno leaders had supported the idea of retaining the status quo.

Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said their win was a signal that members were unanimous in their decision that the Najib-Muhyiddin team was still needed for the 14th general election.

“It also means no in-fighting and that members still believe in their transformation programme,” she said, before congratulating the duo.

Former MIC secretary-general Datuk S Murugesan said what was good for the goose was also good for the gander.

Umno, he explained, is the anchor party in the BN and that the party president and deputy president would automatically be the top two leaders for the BN.

“Najib and Muhyiddin can now focus on implementing the election promises now.

“A contest may see everything geared towards the election,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gerakan vice-president A Kohilan Pillay said the prime minister and his deputy could focus on their ministerial duties.

Their win was also proof that democracy can be achieved via compromise, not just elections.

“It will do away with rumours about two camps in Umno,” said Kohilan.

Prior to the last general election, reports surfaced that there was friction between the two, although Najib and Muhyiddin had denied such allegations.

In sharing a similar view on stability, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the prime minister and his deputy have proven that their leadership has been able to lead and unite the BN.

Najib, he said, must now fulfil the 1Malaysia vision and manifesto.

“While a stable and united Umno will make BN stronger, the coalition must implement the transformation programme to win the support of all races,” he said.

In congratulating the duo, MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Kia Siong said their win was good as it meant that there would not be a split in Umno which could jeopardise the stability of BN.“It shows that members across the board want the duo to continue leading the party,” he said.

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This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on September 23, 2013.